ESD 9 employee shoots dog on property; investigation

**Conroe, TX –** A distressing incident in Montgomery County has ignited significant public outrage and prompted a law enforcement investigation after a beloved family dog, a Rottweiler mix named Cookie Marie, was shot and killed by an employee of Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD 9) on Sunday, May 19.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. at the ESD 9 property located at 17945 FM 1314 in Conroe. According to owner Robert Epps, who lives across the street, Cookie Marie had wandered onto the grounds searching for a lost tennis ball.

Security camera footage from the ESD 9 administration building reportedly captured the entire event. The footage shows Cookie Marie wagging her tail moments before a male employee discharged a firearm, shooting the animal multiple times.

The shooting has drawn swift condemnation, most notably from Montgomery County Precinct 1 Commissioner James Noack. On Tuesday, Commissioner Noack publicly expressed serious concerns, questioning the necessity of lethal force, particularly given the dog’s non-aggressive demeanor evident in the video.

“This is a deeply disturbing incident that raises serious questions about judgment and appropriate use of force,” Commissioner Noack stated, emphasizing the community’s distress over the loss of a pet under such circumstances.

ESD 9 released its own statement later Tuesday evening, acknowledging the shooting. The district noted that “No Trespassing” signs were posted around the property and affirmed its cooperation with law enforcement officials regarding the ongoing investigation. ESD 9 provides critical emergency services, including fire and EMS, to a designated area within Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident. Upon completion, their findings will be turned over to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office for a thorough review to determine if any criminal charges are warranted against the employee involved.

Robert Epps, Cookie Marie’s owner, maintains that his dog was not aggressive and simply wandered onto the grounds as a gentle and beloved family member. He described Cookie Marie as a cherished pet, and the loss has been devastating for his family.

This situation has quickly become a focal point in Montgomery County, highlighting the tragic clash between property rights and the deep bond between pets and their owners, now under intense scrutiny as the community awaits the outcome of the investigation.